The New Green
Today, green isn’t just a fabric or paint color … or a natural look.
Forty years ago, a discussion about green fabrics would be limited to words like “olive, sea foam, celery,” and everyone’s ‘70s favorite, “avocado.”
More recently, designers sought to achieve an organic “look.” This was more about the textures, natural colors, and feelings evoked by the fabric than any real sense of social responsibility.
Today, many high-end fabric and wallpaper manufacturers have graduated to the next level – embracing “green” in the sense of “ecologically sustainable.”
Of course, there’s still a lot of room for defining just what’s green and what isn’t. Many “green” fabrics focus on the use of recycled polyester in place of nylon, since nylon can’t yet be recycled. Consideration for manufacturing processes, ultimate recyclability, and the traceability of fibers are also part of the formula. More and more, the trend is for designers to favor fabrics that measure up to a full lifespan of eco-scrutiny.
Happily, we have discovered a wealth of beautiful and varied fabrics that pass the test with flying colors … textures … and designs.
For example, the Kravet Green Collection is made of 100% recycled polyester. These fabrics are woven and treated with no additional chemicals. During the finishing process, only water-based products and environmentally approved dyes are used. And after years of enjoyable use, these fabrics are all recyclable.
Duralee also has an extensive catalog of fabulous eco fabrics.
And check out Stroheim and Romann .
Isn’t it nice to know that there are so many ways to “go green!”
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